Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, D-N.Y., has announced that $10 million is available to support new smart grid technologies to help re-engineer New York State's electric grid.

The funding available is part of Cuomo's Energy Highway Blueprint, which called for projects to help reduce peak demand strains on the electric system and reduce associated costs, integrate intermittent power sources, such as wind and solar, strengthen the security of the system, and improve overall reliability.

"This funding will support innovative projects to implement our Energy Highway Blueprint and make New York's electric grid one of the most advanced in the nation," the governor says.

Francis J. Murray Jr., president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), says the program is critical.

“Innovative technology must be considered when looking to develop the grid of the future,” he comments. “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the state has increased its production of clean energy while at the same time developing a more resilient, stronger and energy-efficient grid.”

The funding, which is available through a competitive process, is being administered by NYSERDA under its Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Smart Grid Program. According to the governor’s office, projects can support research, engineering studies, product development and demonstration projects, and proposals must demonstrate significant statewide public benefit and quantify all energy, environmental and economic impacts. Proposers must also provide cost-sharing.

Proposals for the first round of the program are due Aug. 14, and second-round proposals are due Feb. 12, 2014.

To date, NYSERDA’s smart grid program has provided $24 million in awards for research, product development and demonstration projects, matched by $31 million in private-sector funding and further leveraged by $120 million in federal funding.

Months after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its Clean Power Plan, which will create new regulations for existing power plants, the agency says it has received loads of feedback to consider.